Press release
Minister with Responsibility for Defence, Paul Kehoe T.D. meets with Mr Christos Stylianides, European Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Management
Published on
Last updated on
Published on
Last updated on
The Minister with responsibility for Defence, Paul Kehoe T.D., in his capacity as the Chair of the Government Task Force on Emergency Planning, had a very informative and cordial meeting this morning with Mr Christos Stylianides, European Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Management on the current European Commission proposal intended to introduce some targeted changes to the EU Civil Protection Mechanism and the impact this proposal is intended to have on crisis and emergency support at an EU level.
Commissioner Stylianides indicated that these proposals intend building on the principles of solidarity and shared responsibility and the overall objective of the proposal is to ensure that the Union can provide a better crisis and emergency support to its citizens in Europe and beyond.
Minister Kehoe broadly welcomed the work of the Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Management Directorate and stated that “further consideration of the Commission’s proposal is required both nationally and within the EU Civil Protection fora with other Members States.”.
Minister Kehoe explained that “based on Ireland’s experience of leading the last review of the Mechanism during our EU Presidency in 2013, there is likely to be significant work required between Member States and the Commission on developing these proposals”. Minister Kehoe stated that on this basis “Ireland would be well-positioned to provide our expertise and assistance as an honest broker to reach compromises to further develop these proposals”.
Commissioner Stylianides complemented Ireland’s level of engagement within the EU Civil Protection Mechanism and welcomed their assistance in progressing the work of the group.
Minister Kehoe thanked Commissioner Stylianides for his visit to Ireland and wished him well with his engagement with Member States on this initiative.
Minister Kehoe will discuss the outcome of this meeting with his colleague, Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government, Eoghan Murphy T.D.
ENDS